This year, the course returns to its original layout following the layout starting/finishing in downtown Visalia. The course is pancake flat beginning and ending in Mooney Grove Park. The roads … MORE
This year, the course returns to its original layout following the layout starting/finishing in downtown Visalia. The course is pancake flat beginning and ending in Mooney Grove Park. The roads are a little rough in places so runners must watch their footing. For those aren’t focused on winning the race but rather enjoying the scenery, you may be disappointed. The landscape is nothing but acres of fruit and nut trees, but it’s part of the San Joaquin Valley. Overall, it’s a good race for the locals and nearby counties.
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Super flat course
This year, the course returns to its original layout following the layout starting/finishing in downtown Visalia. The course is pancake flat beginning and ending in Mooney Grove Park. The roads … MORE
This year, the course returns to its original layout following the layout starting/finishing in downtown Visalia. The course is pancake flat beginning and ending in Mooney Grove Park. The roads are a little rough in places so runners must watch their footing. For those aren’t focused on winning the race but rather enjoying the scenery, you may be disappointed. The landscape is nothing but acres of fruit and nut trees, but it’s part of the San Joaquin Valley. Overall, it’s a good race for the locals and nearby counties.
Overall good race
Pros: Cool weather Flat terrain Nice medal & decent t-shirt Cons: Course was not properly marked, leading to a bit of chaos at 1.5 miles. Location could have been better, … MORE
Pros:
Cool weather
Flat terrain
Nice medal & decent t-shirt
Cons:
Course was not properly marked, leading to a bit of chaos at 1.5 miles.
Location could have been better, the smell of cow run off was pretty intense around miles 3-5
Great race at the foot of Sequoia Park
Great half marathon at the gateway of Sequoia National Park in the high Sierra. This annual event attracts 700-800 runners from around California. The course is flat and runs through … MORE
Great half marathon at the gateway of Sequoia National Park in the high Sierra. This annual event attracts 700-800 runners from around California. The course is flat and runs through urban and rural landscapes.
LIKES / WHAT WORKED:
· Very well-organized event from packet pick-up, immediate online results, the well-stocked aid stations along the course to bag drop and pick up.
· Great expo.
· Flat and fast course.
· Free race photos.
· Unique “Slay the Trail” finisher’s medal with spinning End of the Trail statue silhouette.
· Free beer samples at the beer garden, live post-race entertainment, long-sleeve event tech shirts.
· Super friendly and enthusiastic volunteer support at aid stations.
· Great spectator support.
· Beanie caps and fleece throws to participants.
· Great traffic control and course monitors.
· Breakfast burritos and cold locally-made chocolate milk (the best part) at the finish line.
· Super easy FREE parking race morning.
· Fully stocked aid stations with water and electrolytes.
DISLIKES / WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
· Some nice parts; however, the rural portion can become pretty monotonous.
· The weather can be hot. Be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen and stay hydrated.
· Perhaps allowing an early start for the half marathon walkers.
· Too much goose poop on Mooney Grove Park walking paths.
· Need to add a 5K race. A slight course deviation is all it would take.
Fast, flat course
If you are looking for a PR, this is the race! This course is FLAT the entire way. But...back to the beginning. The expo was held at the Visalia Convention … MORE
If you are looking for a PR, this is the race! This course is FLAT the entire way. But…back to the beginning. The expo was held at the Visalia Convention Center and was a decent size for a small local race. The swag was also top notch for a small race – good quality long sleeve tech shirt, fleece blanket and a knit beanie (which I wore for the race). If you couldn’t make the expo, packet pick-up was also held before the start of the race. Plenty of parking race morning in a large structure just steps from the start/finish lines. Good organization pre-race. Just be aware that both the 10k and the half start together, so if you are aiming for a fast start, position yourself at the front. On-course support was plentiful with water and electrolytes at each aid station. No on-course gels are provided, so be sure to bring your own if you need them. Several musicians lined the course, some of which seemed to have been organized by the race and others just out to give support. Automobile traffic was heavy with cars backing up at intersections, but the police were out in force and were directing traffic smoothly. Well organized finish line with HUGE medal and lots of food, including a breakfast burrito, chocolate milk and fruit. Free beer for those over 21. Live band with tables set up so that runners could eat, relax and enjoy. I am definitely running this next year!
Great Central California Race
half marathon and 10k options. (and 5k starting in 2021) Generous time limit - 4 hours (For both half and 10k!) Extra swag for registering early. Large, shiny medals. Good … MORE
half marathon and 10k options. (and 5k starting in 2021)
Generous time limit – 4 hours (For both half and 10k!)
Extra swag for registering early.
Large, shiny medals.
Good sponsor support (Free beer!)
Post race breakfast burrito and real chocolate milk.
Can combine with nearby races for a weekend double!
Cold,Flat,Fast Course.
13.21 miles.19 feet of gain. Start temp 32 degrees. Finish temp 40 degrees. Great race with great running weather. It was freezing in the morning(30-32 degrees), but you can park … MORE
13.21 miles.19 feet of gain. Start temp 32 degrees. Finish temp 40 degrees. Great race with great running weather. It was freezing in the morning(30-32 degrees), but you can park close to start line and sit in your car till its time to race. Course is completely flat, very well marked, plenty of aid stations and toilets on course. Water and Gatorade on course. Great swag. Great medal. Money to top 3.